Readers of "CalPERS prepares to undermine statewide pension changes," (Editorial, Aug. 15) should know anti-spiking provisions of the new pension reform laws are not being changed. These include requiring pensions to be based on the average of a person's last three years of compensation, a cap on final compensation used to calculate benefits and prohibition against adding things like vacation balances. This last provision CalPERS eliminated more than 20 years ago -- hardly the action of an institution with intent to undermine. The question now is how unique compensation should be treated for new employees. CalPERS has approached this with full transparency. The purpose of the public hearing Tuesday is to seek even greater input on what compensation should be counted toward pensions. Reasonable people may disagree about this, but pay for a service is still compensation at the end of the day. Our staff made a recommendation based on a good-faith interpretation of the law. If changes are needed, we welcome the public's input.

Robert Udall Glazier

CalPERS deputy executive officer, Executive Affairs

Honda-Khanna debate wouldn't add much

We all remember how compelling effective rhetorical skills are to winning elections. Compare our President, Barack Obama's debating performances with his opponents. Yet, as inspiring as Obama has been, even he had a bad debate. We have become so used to marketing the politician that even the Mercury News is calling for a debate (Editorial, Aug. 14). While acknowledging Ro Khanna's skills, I strongly disagree a debate is in the voters' interest. At the League of Women Voters event, there was no daylight between Mike Honda and his opponent. The huge difference is the track record vs. the sleight-of-hand. Mike Honda is a dedicated legislator for all his constituents. His sponsorship of bills, his public stance on difficult issues, and his energetic handling of solutions for the 17th District speak for themselves.

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Jan Dietzgen

Cupertino

The personal butler to the PG&E boss

It is unfair to have an internal department of PG&E entrusted with approving rate hikes for PG&E on behalf of the state of California (Page 1A, Aug. 15). Yes, you understood correctly, I am referring to the Public Utilities Commission as being a part of the PG&E establishment and the PUC chairman a personal butler to the PG&E CEO. No shock here though. Knowing that the PUC is run by unethical and incompetent people, it was widely understood that ratepayers were going to pay the damage award against PG&E on the account of the San Bruno massacre. Hence this rate hike.

Rajeev Madnawat Milpitas

U.S. unable to change attitudes about Gaza

In my opinion, two words that describe Hamas leaders are foolhardy and stubborn. The two words that characterize Israeli leaders are callous and arrogant. It is a shame that U.S. is unable to do much about changing the attitude of either of the parties.

Waheed Siddiqee

Sunnyvale

Twin tunnels heading in wrong direction

I'm a UC-Davis student, concentrating in environmental science and management. Lately, what has caught my eye is the twin tunnels project. I think we're heading toward the wrong direction. It will only build on numerous environmental challenges we're facing. Luckily, organizations like the Sierra Club have been involved. They are one of the few voices truly representing wildlife. By having this project go through, entire ecosystems will be wiped out from the tunneling process while special interests sit back, laugh and profit.

Stephanie Wen

South San Francisco

Hanson illuminates hypocrisy in Gaza

I do not always agree with Victor Davis Hanson. However, he illuminates the Israeli/Hamas/Palestinian tragedy better and more concise than most. Cyprus is an occupied, divided land overrun by Turkey. He also points at the hypocrisy of silence about Muslims slaughtering Muslims on a number of occasions. I believe he could have gone on and on showing how tiny Israel is inordinately damned for oh so sadly obvious reasons. If only the world could truly see clearly.

David Cohen

San Jose

Another perspective on sex-ed materials

Chris Dawes' views (Letters, Aug. 14) about the choice of sex-education materials is a classic example of a biased viewpoint that demonizes and dehumanizes the opposition. Those who disagree are "sexually repressed or unable to accept that their children are growing up"; can't control "their own squeamishness about sex"; and refuse to acknowledge "what kids need to know." Overlooked is the fact that these so-called evil parents also have the best interests of their kids at heart, but see the subject from another perspective. Why can't Dawes, and others, accept differences in viewpoint and engage in open dialogue about curriculum materials for schools?